@article{10.37349/ei.2025.1003204,
abstract = {Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) employs genetically engineered or naturally occurring viruses to selectively replicate within tumor cells, leading to direct lysis and induction of systemic anti-tumor immune responses. This dual mechanism distinguishes OVT from conventional therapies and positions it as a promising candidate in precision oncology. This review synthesizes recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying OVT efficacy, including viral entry, replication kinetics, immunogenic cell death, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. We highlight innovations in viral engineering, such as promoter targeting, microRNA control, and immune-modulatory gene insertions that enhance tumor specificity and therapeutic safety. Clinically, OVT has shown measurable benefits in various solid tumors, with several viruses, such as talimogene laherparepvec, entering regulatory approval and others progressing through late-phase clinical trials. When combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, OVT has demonstrated synergistic effects by improving antigen presentation and reversing immunosuppressive signaling. Integration with targeted therapies and nanotechnology-based delivery systems has further refined viral biodistribution and pharmacodynamics. However, therapeutic resistance, immune clearance, stromal barriers, and heterogeneous tumor responses remain key limitations. Overcoming these challenges requires optimized delivery routes, predictive biomarkers, and combination strategies tailored to immune and genetic tumor profiles. As OVT evolves from proof-of-concept to a platform-based therapeutic strategy, its integration into multimodal cancer treatment protocols will depend on refined bridge oncolytic activity with durable immunotherapy effects.},
author = {Aljabali, Alaa A. A. and Bashatwah, Rasha and Gammoh, Omar},
doi = {10.37349/ei.2025.1003204},
journal = {Exploration of Immunology},
elocation-id = {1003204},
title = {The dual promise of oncolytic viruses: selective targeting and therapeutic enhancement in cancer treatment},
url = {https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/ei/Article/1003204},
volume = {5},
year = {2025}
}